Why did seafarers plant pineapples?
By Chelsie Vandaveer
April 16, 2002
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The 1633 edition of Gerard's Herbal called the plant Ananas pinias or the pine thistle: "the meat of this fruit is sweet and very pleasant of taste...there are certain small fibres in the meat thereof, which though they do not offend the mouth, yet hurt they the gums of such as too frequently feed thereof."
Although The Herbal had no medicinal uses for the pineapple, seafarers quickly recognized the fruit as beneficial. To cure or prevent scurvy, pineapple could be substituted when citrus fruit was not available.
Because this bromeliad is so easy to propagate, it was planted on tropical islands worldwide to ensure a supply of the fruit for sailors.
The "hurt the gums" mentioned in The Herbal, is probably due to bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme. The enzyme is thought to have evolved as an antiherbivory mechanism. The presence of bromelain is why fresh pineapple cannot be used in gelatin; it hydrolyzes (breaks down) the protein.
The Herbal had no uses for pineapple, but modern medicine has. Bromelain appears to boost the effectiveness of drugs like vincristine (See Plants that Changed History, September 25, 2001). Bromelain is used to aid digestion in cases of pancreatic insufficiency. It helps clear bronchial passages in pneumonia or bronchitis sufferers. Bromelain is an anti-inflammatory used in surgery and sports injuries. A component, escharase, debrides burned or wounded skin tissue.
Bromelain is also used in industry. It digests gels so the silver can be recovered from photographic and x-ray films. It tenderizes meats and helps preserve bakery items and pre-cooked cereals. And bromelain chill-proofs beer preventing proteins from clouding when cold.
Hawaii Business has a photo essay of the last Hawaiian pineapple cannery. To view the essay, click on the link:
Click on link to view the essay
Series: | 1 | | 2 | | 3 | | 4 |
killerPlants Tendrils: ~~1~~2~~3~~4~~5~~
Suggested Reading:
What is a nutmeg? Weird Plants - November 27, 2003
Who was Tantalus? What's in a Name? - July 30, 2004
What is sorcerer's garlic? Herbal Folklore - March 4, 2002
Why did seafarers plant pineapples? Plants that Changed History - April 16, 2002
What was the tree-wool of India? Plants that Changed History - February 19, 2002
What is the legend of Artemis bound by willows? What's in a Name? - December 14, 2001
What is a cashew apple? Weird Plants - October 16, 2003
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